1 . Hong Kong has the largest collection of high-rise buildings on Earth, many of which have been designed by world-famous architects.

HSBC Headquarters Building

In 1979, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation(HSBC) launched an international design competition for its new headquarters. Foster +Partners, headed by architect Sir Norman Foster, won the competition with an out-of-the-box idea. With a budget of roughly S667 million in the day’s currency, the British visionary had the modular (模块化的) pieces constructed in the US, Japan and the UK before shipping them to Hong Kong for assembly (组装).

The Henderson

Zaha Hadid Architects(ZHA) has revealed plans to replace a multi-story car park in Hong Kong’s central business district with a new 623-foot tower. Like so many of ZHA’s visionary projects, the office tower, completed in 2023,integrates technology with natural environments. For instance, there is a sky garden which is an outdoor recreational space with a running track and a planting network that acts as an effective biological air-purifying filter by consuming pollutants.

Two International Finance Centre

On a clear day, you can see straight across Hong Kong from the offices in Two International Finance Center(2IFC), completed in 2003. Designed by the late Cesar Pelli, the 1,352-foot tower was the tallest in the city upon its completion. It transformed the skyline when it opened with its breath taking height and tapered (锥形的) shape, symbolizing Hong Kong’s rise.

Bank of China Tower

The 1,205-foot tower, completed in 1990,broke records at the time and became an instant landmark as the first tower over 985 feet outside North America. A vision of urban energy, expansion and geometry, the Bank of China Tower(BOC Tower)was designed to resemble a bamboo shoot, symbolizing strength, vitality and China’s emergence as a significant player in international finance.

1. What is special about the HSBC Headquarters Building?

A．It was designed by several architect teams.	B．It was funded by countries across the world.
C．Its style was considered to be the most creative.	D．Its design was a winning work of a competition.

2. Which building combines technology with nature ?

A．HSBC Headquarters Building.	B．The Henderson.
C．Two International Finance Centre.	D．Bank of China Tower.

3. What do the BOC Tower and 2IFC have in common?

A．They are known for being eco-friendly.	B．They were completed in the same century.
C．They used to be the tallest in Hong Kong.	D．They were designed by the same architect.

2 . Hem an Bekele is not your typical high school student．Rather than spending his free time playing video games or staring at his phone, this 14 year-old from Fairfax, Virginia was calling professors and conducting experiments, all to create a soap that could treat skin cancer, and to make it affordable for everyone who needs it．His work won him the grand prize in this year’s 3M Young Scientist’s Challenge, a competition that encourages kids to think of unique ways to solve everyday problems.

Growing up in Ethiopia, Bekele found in pity that people working outside were likely to end up getting skin cancer．Skin cancer did have cures and was treatable in most cases．However, the average price of skin cancer treatment globally was almost $40,000．Those shocking statistics really inspired him to create a more accessible solution．He started doing experiments and working on different things, and that turned into his bar of soap as a project.

A lot of his research and development started in his family’s kitchen and in his basement．But as he reached the final of the competition, he realized that he did need to do a little bit more outside of just his house．So he reached out to people at University of Virginia and people at Georgetown, and he got a lot of assistance．The number one person would be Deborah Isabelle, who helped him organize and structure his ideas during the finalist competition．Bekele said that he definitely couldn’t have done that all by himself.

Bekele’s award-winning soap is a compound based bar of soap and it’s charged with different cancer fighting chemicals．The color of the soap is a bit of a dark type of white and it has a rough surface, which could be a good exfoliant（去角质剂）．It does have a strong medicine smell and feel a bit stickier．The whole point of it is that even once you wash off the soaps, the medicinal parts will stay on your skin．It can activate the body’s immune cells to defend cancer.

Bekele won 25,000 prize money and he was going to use it to continue research．He said, “I still need a lot of resources to be able to conduct this research, so this money will definitely help me achieve it.”

1. Why did Heman Bekele start working on creating the soap?

A．Because he thought it was a fun project.

B．Because he wanted to win a science competition.

C．Because he found skin cancer treatment unaffordable.

D．Because he wanted to create a unique soap for everyone.

2. What can we learn from Bekele’s preparations for the final?

A．Well begun is half done.	B．Learn humbly, ask willingly.
C．Actions speak louder than words.	D．Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

3. What is paragraph 4 of the text mainly about?

A．What features the soap has.	B．How the soap is used.
C．What chemicals the soap contains.	D．How the soap is produced.

4. Which words can be used to describe Bekele according to the passage?

A．Patient and talented.	B．Friendly and ambitious.
C．Cautious and generous.	D．Caring and devoted.

3 . There was once a jeweler, known for many virtues. One day, the Jewish elders came to him to buy some diamonds to decorate part of the dress of their high priest (神父，牧师), which the Bible calls an ephod.

They told him what they wanted, and offered him a fair price for the diamonds. He replied that he could not let them see the jewels at that moment, and requested them to call again.

As they wanted them without delay, and thought that the object of the jeweler was only to increase the price of the diamonds, the elders offered him twice, then three times, as much as they were worth. But he still refused, and they went away angrily.

Some hours after, he went to them, and placed before them the diamonds, for which they again offered him the last price they had named, but he said, “I will only accept the first one you offered to me this morning.”

“Why, then, did you not close with us at once?” asked they in surprise. “When you came,” replied he, “my father had the key of the box, in which the diamonds were kept, and as he was asleep, I should have been obliged to wake him to obtain them. At his age, a short hour of sleep does him a great deal of good, and for all the gold in the world, I would not be wanting in respect to my father, or take from him a single comfort.”

The elders, affected by these feeling words, spread their hands upon the jeweler’s head, and said, “Thou shalt be blessed of Him who has said: Honor thy father and thy mother, and thy children shall one day pay thee the same respect and love thou hast shown to thy father.”

1. Why did not the jeweler give two elders the diamonds at first?

A．He wanted a higher price	B．He had to get his father’s permission.
C．He didn’t have them in the shop then.	D．He didn’t have the key to the container.

2. What the underlined part might mean?

A．You will get as many honors as you want.	B．Your children will live a rich and respectable life.
C．You and your family are blessed by God.	D．Your father will live a long and healthy life.

3. What might be the best title of the passage?

A．A devoted son	B．An honest businessman
C．A reasonable price	D．A luxurious dress

4 . NLB Mobile app — a library in your pocket

The National Library Board (NLB) Mobile app is your personal library, anywhere. anytime. By signing in, you will be able to enjoy the full suite of services available to library members such as borrowing items and reading emagazines and enewspapers. But even if you don’t sign in, you can still:

●Search the library catalogue (目录) and share the title
●Locate nearby libraries based on your current location
●View highlights of library happenings
What do I need to sign in?

You will need a myLibrary ID. If you do not have it, you may create one online or using the app’s login page — tap on the+ button on the top right of the app’s screen.

What if I forget my myLibrary ID or password?

You can retrieve (恢复) your myLibrary ID and password:

●Online with your Singpass or NRIC/FIN number. Once you have signed in, the system will automatically detect if you have a myLibrary ID and display it. It will also let you reset your password if you have forgotten it.
●Via the NLB Mobile app, with your Singpass or NRIC/FIN number. Tap on the+ button on the top right of the app’s screen, then tap on “Forgot your myLibrary ID or password”.
When I try to log in, the app says “Profile already exists”. What do I do?

We are sorry that you are encountering this problem! Here are the steps.

●Go to your phone’s Settings menu.
●Select “Apps” or “Application manager” or “Applications”.
●Tap on“NLB Mobile”.
●Tap on “Storage”.
●Select “Clear Data”.
●Select “Clear Cache”
●Try signing in again. It should work this time. If not, please take a screenshot of the error message and email it to enquiry@nlb.gov.sg.
1. What can users do via NLB Mobile app without signing in?

A．Reading emagazines.

B．Borrowing enewspapers.

C．Sharing the title of the items in the library.

D．Previewing the books available to borrow.

2. Which of the following is necessary for users to sign in the app?

A．Singpass.	B．MyLibrary ID.
C．NRIC/FIN number.	D．The physical NLB card.

3. Users are advised to email enquiry@nlb.gov.sg when they _______.

A．decide to voice complaints about the service

B．have any questions about the NLB Mobile app

C．are unable to clear NLB Mobile data on the phone

D．fail to solve the “log in” problem following the instructions

5 . Community Music Classes

Community Music at Tufts offers a year-long program of Saturday classes for children aged 2 to 18.

Singing Teens (12-15 year olds) Instructor: Adriana Ausch               Class Time: 1:15-2:15 pm $360 per semester                         Full year course Perfect your singing or pick up a new skill! Learn the basic keys of singing like breath and pronunciation. Each week the class will practice warm-ups and learn a song together; in the second part of the class the students take turns for single instructions.

Music Theory and Composition One hour class: 12 noon-1 pm                 For students aged 9 & up Instructor: Phillip Grannan                    $335 per semester The primary goal of this course is to develop your child’s creativity — both in composing music and in ways of thinking about music — while filling the basics of music theory. The class is designed for students who have little or no experience with composing and music theory.

Violin Class One hour classes: 9 am-10 am, beginning class; 10 am-11 am, level two Instructor: Yank’l Garcia                 $360 per semester Beginning violin students will improve technically and musically in a group environment that promotes teamwork and encouragement. Solo and group material will be equally emphasized so that students learn how to play by themselves and with other musicians.

Group Drumming One hour class: 11 am-12 noon                  For students aged 9 and up Minimum 4 students                                Instructor: Lauren Caso $325 per semester Experience the challenge and fun of traditional drumming. Stick and hand techniques will be applied. Songs and chanting may accompany various pieces in this ongoing series. Prior completion of Foundations of Rhythm in World Percussion is highly required for beginners.

1. What is special about Singing Teens?

A．It focuses on traditional songs.	B．It sets a limit to learner numbers.
C．It is targeted at inexperienced singers.	D．It offers one-to-one instructions.

2. Who will teach music theory?

A．Phillip Grannan.

B．Adriana Ausch.

C．Lauren Caso.

D．Yank’l Garcia.

3. Which class has a specific requirement for beginning learners?

A．Violin Class.	B．Group Drumming.
C．Singing Teens.	D．Music Theory and Composition.

6 . Multi-City Vacation Sale

Route Ⅰ: Dublin & Edinburgh

Ireland and Scotland may be close, but the two countries couldn’t be more different. From cosmopolitan Dublin to historic Edinburgh, experience the best of two capital cities on this 6-or 8-night extravaganza (狂欢)! See ancient texts at Trinity College, climb up the hill of Edinburgh Castle, and of course taste some of the best beer on the planet.

Route Ⅱ: Lisbon, Seville & Madrid

This exciting 8-night adventure will introduce you to the fascinating cities of the Iberian Peninsula, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Route Ⅲ: Central Europe Classic: Budapest, Vienna & Prague

Experience three of Central Europe’s most beautiful cities on this 6-night vacation. See the two different sides of Budapest, and have a look at the palaces in Vienna.

Route Ⅳ: Ireland & Scotland

Spend 10,12 or 14 nights traveling across Ireland and Scotland. Stay in comfortable bed, have breakfasts and explore cities, the countryside and coast in your own car. This Celtic adventure is totally up to you!

ROUTES	PRICE *PER PERSON
Dublin & Edinburgh	$1,322→$1,222
Lisbon, Seville & Madrid	$1,378→$1,278
Central Europe Classic: Budapest, Vienna & Prague	$1,499→$1,399
Ireland & Scotland	$1,568→$1,468

* Vacation is round-trip, per person, based on 2 travelers from John F Kennedy Intl(JFK). Includes airfare & airport taxes, hotels, car rental, departure transfer, tours and daily breakfast.

* $100 off per person before 02/28/2024.

1. Which route allows you to enjoy some of the world’s well-known beer?

A．Route Ⅰ.

B．Route Ⅱ.

C．Route Ⅲ.

D．Route Ⅳ.

2. What makes Route I V different from the others?

A．Travelling across Ireland.	B．Exploring different cities.
C．Adventuring in your own vehicle.	D．Knowing more about UNESCO.

3. What do the routes have in common?

A．The travellers can choose how long to stay.

B．The travellers can enjoy a discount before a certain date.

C．The travellers are offered all kinds of food.

D．The travellers have access to completely different performances.

7 . Lifelong learning is how you improve as a person, bit by bit and day by day. Lifelong learners recognize the importance and joy of growth so they never settle for what they currently know and always seek for improvement. Here are some habits people who value lifelong learning have in common, and see how many of them you recognize in yourself.

Whatever problem or dilemma (困境) you currently face, there’s definitely at least one decent book that discusses it and presents different kinds of solutions. Reading is a great way to open up new horizons, train your brain and change your life completely. Through reading, you can connect with successful people and learn from the lessons they share. Lifelong learners love to be lost in books and do it regularly.

Whether it’s online or offline, there are countless courses you can participate in for free. These are great opportunities to connect with clever and like-minded people and learn from them. Because of advanced technology, you can now gain knowledge from online programs. What lifelong learners have in common is squeezing as much as possible out of these opportunities.

Instead of spending your free time lying on the couch and watching TV, you should do something creative and practical. You know every wasted minute is gone forever. Lifelong learners stay up-to-date with growth opportunities in their areas and participate in them frequently.

As a lifelong learner, if behind the efforts, there is a deep desire to grow, your chances of success are much higher compared to when you are forced to learn. Lifelong learners love to experience the constant growth and improvement. In order to keep growing, you are supposed to clearly define your goals. Smart goal setting is one of the tools to insure constant growth.

1. How does reading affect us?

A．It broadens our horizons.

B．We learn some practical knowledge.

C．We realize our present thinking patterns.

D．It offers effective solutions to problems.

2. What does paragraph 3 encourage people to do?

A．Try to choose the suitable courses.

B．Keep in touch with various people.

C．Make use of the available resources.

D．Improve their knowledge in any area.

3. What quality do lifelong learners have?

A．A long-term goal.	B．A proper method.
C．A positive attitude.	D．A lot of experience.

4. What do we know about the lifelong learners from the last paragraph?

A．They accept different changes.

B．They develop good learning habits.

C．They believe it’s never too late to start.

D．They love making continuous progress.

8 . Books for children

Cyril and Pat by Emily Gravett

This clever picture book shows younger readers the charming friendship between Cyril, a squirrel and Pat, who isn’t. Their friendship is powerful and shows children that it’s worth sticking up for those you care about. With vivid illustrations of life, leaves and flowers, an unexpected world is brought to life, and it’s the one that younger readers will delight in exploring every time they visit a park.

No One Is Angry Today by Toon Tellegen

Following a series of forest animal friends through their everyday lives, these stories examine why we do the things we do and how we feel about our actions. The brevity, clarity and high quality of these short stories also make them useful texts to study in literacy lessons, particularly in terms of viewpoint and writing styles.

The Midnight Panther by Poonam Mistry

Panther feels out of place and takes an adventure in the jungle to overcome challenges, conquer his insecurities and find out where he belongs. The Midnight Panther is an outstandingly illustrated and magical fable picture book. The atmospheric storytelling makes this book a joy to read aloud to a class and the breathtaking imagination lends itself to inspiring children’s creative writing.

Fiona the Fruit Bat by Dan Riskin

Fiona is the fruit bat who is afraid of the dark, afraid of the unknown and afraid to try flight. But calming and confidence-building words from her mother show her way. A good book to help children deal with new and unfamiliar situations. Reading this will not only teach them about overcoming fear, but also the science behind echolocation and lives of fruit bats.

1. What do we know about Cyril and Pat?

A．They are good friends.	B．They are both squirrels.
C．They enjoy collecting leaves.	D．They often visit remote parks.

2. Which book is good for children’s creative writing?

A．Cyril and Pat.	B．Fiona the Fruit Bat.
C．No One Is Angry Today.	D．The Midnight Panther.

3. What does Fiona the Fruit Bat teach children?

A．How to coexist with wildlife.	B．How to handle new situations.
C．How to get on with their mother.	D．How to develop an interest in science.

9 . 4 YouTube Channels That You Need to Watch

Yes Theory
6.57M Subscribers

Driven by the motto “Seek Discomfort,” Yes Theory aims to spread a message of positivity and fearlessness through pursuing projects and missions that help bring people outside their comfort zones. There is no doubt that many of us may feel too scared to pursue ambitious goals, which is why Yes Theory takes on some of the most daunting (令人望而却步的) adventures to show people that discomfort helps achieve a great life.

Nas Daily
2.45M Subscribers

Being a graduate of Harvard, Nuseir Yassin, also known as Nas Daily, makes an effort to provide a YouTube channel that highlights the “most incredible humans on planet Earth.” His videos often feature individuals who are creating change in the world, and he also covers some of the most important topics of discussion like climate change.

TED-Ed
13.7M Subscribers

TED-Ed is one of the most famous YouTube channels when it comes to learning and inspiration. The channel has no specific video producer as it features presentations from people all around the world. These videos feature a wide variety of topics, and there is no specific subject that the channel focuses on. Instead, it provides insight into anything that can benefit the viewers, and it truly is a great resource to use if you would like to learn something new.

Be Inspired
7.4M Subscribers

Be Inspired is a YouTube channel that provides videos to help people improve their overall well-being. These videos include a wide variety of topics such as sleep, stress, economics, jobs, setting and achieving goals, and creating plans. The channel also includes short and inspirational videos that help people realize the mistakes they are making and ways to solve them.

1. Which channel encourages viewers to challenge themselves?

A．Be Inspired.

B．Yes Theory.

C．Nas Daily.

D．TED-Ed.

2. What benefit will viewers most probably get from Be Inspired?

A．Learning the latest news.	B．Meeting incredible humans.
C．Having access to job opportunities.	D．Improving their overall well-being.

3. What do the four channels have in common?

A．They are inspirational.

B．They are favored by students.

C．They all have over 6M subscribers.

D．They all have one specific video producer.

10 . Best Movies to Watch with Your Dad

The Lion King

The lovely film The Lion King, a Disney cartoon classic, has won the hearts of audiences of all ages. The story of a young lion prince, who will one day become king, is told in this moving film. The Lion King teaches about the certain circle of life and the journey from child to man that is full of bravery, kindness and love. The music and unforgettable sights and characters make this movie so special.

Daddy Day Care

The humorous movie Daddy Day Care follows the experiences of two fathers who find themselves opening a daycare center after losing their jobs. Murphy’s attractive and lively performance makes the audience laugh. The pair learn the pleasure and benefits of building relationships with the kids in their center as they discuss the difficulties of running a daycare service.

Father of the Bride

The interesting film Father of the Bride gives audiences different feelings as they experience the disorder and joy that occur when a father’s world is turned upside down by his daughter’s coming wedding. Martin’s excellent performance in the film makes the story both funny and moving. The story cleverly shows a parent’s understandable worry and emotional journey as he faces the reality of their daughter growing up and beginning a new life.

Cheaper by the Dozen

The funny movie Cheaper by the Dozen, starring the gifted Steve Martin as college football coach Tom Baker, tells his life as a parent doing his job and raising his twelve kids. The film skillfully examines the difficulties, rewards, and unexpected experiences that happen in a home where there is a lot of love and variety. Cheaper by the Dozen will make you think about the value of family.

1. What can be learned from The Lion King?

A．The growth of kids.	B．The life of wild animals.
C．The pleasure of visiting Disneyland.	D．The friendship between animals and humans.

2. What do Daddy Day Care and Cheaper by the Dozen have in common?

A．They both express deep love of father.	B．They praise the spirit of working hard.
C．The main roles’ jobs are related to kids.	D．The main roles stress the value of family.

3. Which movie shows the up-and-down feelings of the father?

A．The Lion King.	B．Daddy Day Care.
C．Father of the Bride.	D．Cheaper by the Dozen.